Introduced devils spend first night on island

Fifteen Tasmanian devils raised in captivity have spent their first night in the wild.

The disease-free animals travelled to their new home on Maria Island yesterday.

While some were reluctant at first, it is expected they will soon settle in.

The devils have been micro-chipped and their movements will be closely watched.

Howel Williams from the Save the Tasmanian Devil program says if the trial is successful, the Environment Department hopes to release a further 15 animals on the island early next year.

"Establishing an insurance population gives us just that - it's insurance against extinction of the devil in the wild, and we've been extraordinarily successful in Australia in setting up an effective insurance population so quickly," he said.

This is the first time Tasmanian devils have been introduced to the island.

It is hoped Maria will eventually support a population of about 50 animals.